GRAND OPENING CEREMONY of GOLDEN PAGODA BELL TOWER

Published by

GOLDEN PAGODA PUBLICATION

DHAMMIKARAMA BURMESE BUDDHIST TEMPLE PENANG, MALAYSIA Special Publication Arrangement with

INWARD PATH PUBLISHER

GPO Box 1034 10830 Georgetown PENANG, MALAYSIA

w w w. i nw a r d p a t h . o r g

ISBN 978 -983-3512 - 83- 6 A L L R I G H T S R E S E RV E D No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without written permission from the publisher and the author. 2,000 copies MAY 2011
Creative Design by Iwin Pyin Printed in Penang, Malaysia

GRAN OP I G C D EN N EREMON Y
OF

GOL DEN P AGODA

B LT EL OWER

P E I U J WE S R CO S E L , S O E , O D R LC , T N SG L , E I S A DB D H I G S N U D A MA E D N T DB D V T E O AE Y EO ES F O L C LA DA R A R M O A N BO D T B E S R N DI T O E N H IE N O T EG L E P G D H O DN A O A B L T WE EL O R

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF MONK, VENERABLE U PANNYA VAMSA

ince 1957, I left my country Burma to carry out Dhammaduta work as a sacred religious duty and I first arrived at Burmese Temple, Penang, Malaysia in 1970 due to the requests of devotees as the former Chief Monk, Sayadaw U Vimala, (the 6th Chief Monk of the Temple) was getting old and in poor health. I noticed that all the buildings in the temple were old but credit must be given to the Chief Monk for keeping them in a fair state of repair and this was due to shortage of funds.

The original donors of the temple were Burmese ladies headed by Nonya Betong who purchased the land from George Layton for 390 Spanish Dollars on 1st August 1803 and donated it to be a place of worship. Due to their noble deed, the temple started to grow. Like a mustard seed that grows into a big and strong tree to provide shade and shelter to everyone, the temple started off humbly with just one small thatched hut into what it is today to meet the needs and aspirations of devotees. During my visits to foreign countries, I took the opportunity to visit ancient Buddhist Shrines to pray, observe and admire the stone carvings of the Buddha and other images some on mountain cliffs, in huge caves and on huge block of stones. I was inspired and contemplated on the immense effort, time, labour and resources needed for such gigantic works. It then dawned upon me that one of the aims of the ancient builders must be to leave behind a legacy for future people to ponder and understand how far and wide the Buddha Dhamma had spread . I think many Buddhists would like to pay a pilgrimage to these places but many are unable to do so due to distance, poor health or other reasons. An idea then dawned into my mind what if all the important ancient Buddhist Shrines could be duplicated and located in one place so that people can have the opportunity to view all of them. This idea began to grow, established and entrenched firmly in my mind. Like a germinating seed that is ready to sprout out, and with strong determination, I decided to embark on this task. At the beginning many problems and obstacles stood in my path ; I then drew inspiration from the ancient builders and my determination and perseverance then grew stronger to overcome them and to finally complete this task.

The completed 108 feet Golden Pagoda Bell Tower now stands majestically for all to view. Adorning the internal walls are ancient Buddhist Shrines from 22 countries which had been painstakingly and authentically reproduced. There are also beautiful images of the Buddha, 6 statues of Kuan Yin and others. It is hoped that this building will become a source of inspiration to the present and future generations of Buddhists and others. I would also like to place on record my sincere appreciation to the following: U Maung Aye, a well-known artisan from Burma and his group of 6 helpers for all the beautification works; All voluntary construction workers and painters; All sponsors of items, all donors, fund-raisers and helpers; Our consultants: Architect, M/s Fang & Associates; Mechanical & Electrical Consultant M/s H.C. Toh Perunding; Civil & Structural Engineer, M/s Chrison Konsultant Sdn Bhd; The Temple Management Committee for their hard work, co-operation and assistance and also its President, Mr. Teoh Khye Beng for supervising the whole project. Without your contribution and help, this project would not have materialized. Just as we have benefited from the donors and builders of the past, you now leave behind a rich legacy for the present and future generations of Buddhists and others. Those who build temples and donate them to the Buddhist Community are always praised by the Buddha as the highest merit. Vihara danam sanghassa, aggam buddhena vannitam Venerable U Pannya Vamsa Chief Monk Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple Penang, Malaysia

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MESSAGE FROM VENERABLE U VICITTA

nder the kind admonition and guidance of our most venerable chief monk, Bhaddanta U Pannya Vamsa, we call Penang Sayadawgyi, I have been honorably given the opportunity to participate, as a resident monk, in his great and noble missionary works for propagation and promotion of Buddhism. Among many other abilities of Penang Sayadawgyi, the most significant quality is of his hard work and active management like a young monk with a fresh idea on the construction of Golden Pagoda Bell Tower project. One of his inspirations to build the Golden Bell Tower is to illustrate invaluable Burmese arts and sculptures.

The significances of Golden Pagoda Bell Tower are as follows: Burmese splendid architectural arts can be seen in this building; Twenty two carvings from 22 Buddhist countries can be seen in the same place; With this new attraction, visitors can discover more about the over 200 years old history of this temple; Architectural designs, floral arabesques (ornate design), and other decorations are all Burmese traditions; Golden Pagoda Bell Tower reflects the profound affections of our most venerable chief monk on his motherland, Burma. I believe that the Golden Bell Tower will be a center for explorers and intellectual scholars to find Burmese Buddhist cultural heritages outside Burma and it is a rare opportunity for a tourist. There are 12 small golden stupas; four stupas on each of the three storeys and a main big golden stupa (pagoda) on the top of the building. Needless to express that, for people in Malaysia and abroad, it is very lucky to coincide our most venerable chief monk because its rare to meet such a outstanding person who can perform all the best for the sake of all beings. Some possesses the ability to engage but they dont use it for welfares of others. On the other hand, some are always absorbed in performing whatever the best they should do for their surroundings using their abilities. Our most venerable chief monk, Penang Sayadawgyi is the one who sacrifices his life for the welfare of all beings. He leaves a touchstone by implementing the Golden Pagoda Bell Tower. With metta, Rev. Vicitta Resident Monk Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple Penang, Malaysia

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MESSAGE FROM VENERABLE U KUSALASAMI

istory is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life and brings us tidings of antiquity. (Cicero, Roman Philosopher) The abbot of Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple, Most Venerable U Pannyavamsa, we call Penang Sayadawgyi, is most well-known in all over the world in carrying out the missionary works. Saydawgyi makes great contribution to Buddha Sasana. Throughout his life, it is full of many adventurous, unrelenting, brave, and noble thoughts, speeches, and works.

Since he became the abbot of Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple which is the biggest Burmese Buddhist Temple outside Burma, he leads the temple to develop materially and spiritually as well. He renovates the ancient building and built new ones as well. Whatever he builds are decorated with beautiful Burmese architectures and artifacts. Furthermore he establishes many temples around the world for propagation and promotion of Buddhas dispensation. These relentless and great efforts show how and why he is successful in carrying out Buddhas dispensation for propagation and promotion. Now the additional but great historical work has been materialized by our most venerable chief monk. This is so indeed an amazing, wonderful, and mammoth task that ordinary people cannot perform. It is nothing but Golden Pagoda Bell Tower. Whosoever has got an idea to exhibit the Ancient Buddhist Monuments from 22 countries with alabaster wall carvings? He made it! In this building, there are various wall-paintings or fresco paintings, beautiful ceiling decorated with Burmese artistic flowery arts, zawgyi images (a miraculous alchemist with supernatural power, holding long-stemmed wand), splendid Deva (deity) statues, fine flowery floral-arabesque Frescoes on the whole building: both interior and exterior. Let us say this laudable project springs from the idea of our most venerable chief monk. I believe whosoever visits this temple will exclaim how remarkable or astonishing Golden Pagoda Bell Tower is!. All these missionary achievements ensure the success of our Most Venerable Chief Monk. This building would be architecturally and historically attractive for tourists from all over the world. Im greatly honoured to be granted an opportunity for the arrangement of Grand Opening Ceremony Book of the Golden Pagoda Bell Tower. I arranged this book for the readers or devotees to know from its beginning to the end. Furthermore readers or devotees will find this book well worth reading because the pictorial history of Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple and its progressive or developed situation are also expressed. I am indebted to our Most Venerable Chief Monk for granting me a chance to arrange this book. Then my thanks go to Temple Management Committee for helping whatever necessities I need for publication of this book. I am grateful to Mr. Frankie Yeoh and Miss Siew Tin Yeoh for giving me precious time in collecting pictures. Last but not least I appreciate Mr. Sunanda Lim, Inward Path Publisher for his kind and patient preparation of the book. May all beings be happy, healthy, wealthy, and peaceful! Rev. Kusalasami Resident Monk Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple Penang, Malaysia

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MESSAGE FROM VENERABLE CANDASIRI

feel very honoured and humble to be given the opportunity by our most Venerable Sayadawgyi U Pannya Vamsa, the Chief Monk of Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple in Penang, to deliver a piece of mind in this unique Golden Pagoda Bell Tower building. Few years ago, the idea of this wonderful building was mooted by our most Venerable Sayadawgyi U Pannya Vamsa. Finally, his dream was enlightened.

As we all know, in front of the Golden Pagoda Bell Tower were guarded by the two magnificent guardian deva and devi. I believed that you will be enchanted with the beautiful sparkling chandelier once you enter the building. Each floor of the building was beautifully decorated with different Burmese architectural design including the wall, the ceiling and the pillars painting. At the ground and first floor of the building, the twenty two countries Buddhist site mould was beautifully installed on the wall. Every corner of each floor consist of four stupa beautifully decorated with the golden umbrella (shwe htee). On the golden cheti was installed with rare precious nine types of gemstones such as diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, topaz, gold, jade, crystal and quartz. The golden bell was enshrined on the top of the Golden Pagoda Bell Tower. Last but not least, I would like to say a big Sadhu for those who have contributed all their effort and time rendered plus non materialistic and materialistic to complete such a wonderful Golden Pagoda Bell Tower. MAY all of you be well and happy ! SADHU SADHU SADHU Rev. Candasiri Resident Monk Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple Penang, Malaysia

MESSAGE FROM VENERABLE ANIRUDDHALANKARA

he idea was founded by our most Venerable Sayadawgyi U Pannya Vamsa. At last his dream was wish fulfilled.

This magnificent and unique Golden Pagoda Bell Tower is one and only in Malaysia. Therefore, I believed that it would be a new attraction to all tourists around the world with the beautifully decorated ancient Buddhist culture heritage. We are extremely proud with our most Venerable Sayadawgyi U Pannya Vamsa of his determination for presenting the Burmese architectural arts and culture. As you know, in front of the magnificent and unique Golden Pagoda Bell Tower, it was guarded by two beautiful deva and devi and also two white marble elephants. On every corner of each floor, there were four beautifully decorated golden stupas. The golden bell was installed on the top of the Golden Pagoda Bell Tower. On the top floor, the beautiful Buddha image sculptured was installed on the Golden Buddha Thorne. The Golden Pagoda Bell Tower reveals the teaching of Buddha, Only glorious one is capable of sustain the Glorious Buddha Teaching (Sasana). Our most Venerable Sayadawgyi had proven it by establishing of the magnificent and unique Golden Pagoda Bell Tower. From the bottom of my heart, I would like to say a big Sadhu for those who have contributed all their effort to complete the Golden Pagoda Bell Tower. With metta, Rev. Aniruddhalankara Resident Monk Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple Penang, Malaysia

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FROM MR. TEOH KHYE BENG PRESIDENT TEMPLE TEMPLE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

am very happy to have the opportunity to write a few words in this magazine. The Golden Pagoda Bell Tower is the latest of many successful projects of our Venerable Chief Monk, Sayadaw U Pannya Vamsa. After the idea came into his mind, the Venerable Chief Monk seriously contemplated and quietly sought the advice and views of devotees and well wishers. After having received posititive encouragement, he brought his idea to the Temple Management Committee for consideration. The Committee then deliberated in depth and was initially skeptical that this project could be completed. However, with the Chief Monks leadership, confidence and inspiring words work honestly and sincerely for the benefit of the Sasana and not for your own gain; even the Devas will help you to succeed! eventually changed the Committees view. The Committee then started working and obtained approval for Planning Permission No. MPPP/OSC/PM(130)/07 and Building Plan No. MPPP/OSC/(1517/09) from the local authority on 28th August 2008 and 29th October 2009 respectively. Construction work then started and one can now view awe the magnificent 108ft high Golden Pagoda Bell Tower. The building also has tradiontional Burmese design which will capture the eves of local and foreign tourists. This magazine captures the different stage of construction, sculpturing, works by wellknown Burmese artisan, U Maung Aye and his craftsmen, beautification and painting works, etc. The Golden Pagoda Bell Tower also houses Buddha Rupa in different postures, statues of Kuan Yin, Matteya Buddha Rupa, Devas, Devis and others all beautifully sculptured. However what stands out most must be the Ancient Buddhist Shrines in 22 countries, which are not only authentic but also splendidly and painstakingly sculptured! One can draw inspiration from viewing them and also have an idea of the vast area where the Buddha Dhamma had spread in ancient time. Finally I would like to record my sincere appreciation and thanks to all sponsors of items, donors, helpers and well-wishers for their contributions and assistance and finally to all temple helpers and members of the Temple Management Committee for their hard work, co-operation, tolerance and patience without which this project could not be completed. May you all be well and happy and be blessed by the Triple Gem. Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu! TEOH KHYE BENG President Temple Management Committee 2011/2012 Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple Penang, Malaysia

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BRIEF BIOGRAPHY of VENERABLE U PANNYAVAMSA

7TH CHIEF MONK 1972 TO PRESENT

enerable U Pannyavamsa was born at Wakema, Burma, on 10th January 1928. He was ordained as a novice at the age of fourteen and received higher ordination as Bhikkhu in 1948. He studied Pali and Buddhism under various eminent scholars in Wakema, Yandoon and Mandalay. In 1953, he passed Dhammacariya, the highest examination in Pali, with distinction.

The government of Burma awarded him the degree of Sasanadhaja Siripavaradhammacariya. Later he was selected by the government of Burma for missionary work in Coco Island and later went to Sri Lanka. After that he went to the Andaman Islands, India, to reside and perform missionary works. He successfully organized and founded the Andaman Buddhist Mission and undertook the teaching of Buddhism and meditation. In 1963, he was selected by the government of Burma to perform the missionary work of the South India Buddhist Association with its headquarters in Madras. He was empowered to supervise thirteen branches of Buddhist missionaries in Southern India. Venerable U Pannyavamsa served as a lecturer at the Aungmingalasiddhi monastery, Rangoon, from 1965 to 1969. He was selected by the Governmant of the Union of Burma to succeed the resident Chief Monk of the Burmese Buddhist Temple, Penang, Malaysia. During his stay in Malaysia from 1970 to 1979, he served as a religious adviser to the Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia and as chief examiner of the Malaysian Buddhist examination syndicate. He founded the Sunday Buddhist Institute there, an organization for the study of Buddhism and meditation. VIII

At the end of 1979, he went to Los Angeles, California, and successfully established the Burma Buddhist Monastery there. At that time he also became a lecturer in Abdhidhamma at the University of Oriental Studies, Los Angeles. The Venerable was selected as vice-president of the Buddhist Sangha Council of Southern California. In view of Venerable U Pannyavamsas tireless effort and support, the International Burmese Buddhist Sangha Organization was successfully founded on the full moon day of May 1985 in Penang, Malaysia. On 14th June 1985, the Venerable U Pannyavamsa organized a Buddhist Association to build a new temple by the request of the Buddhist community in Singapore. In 1986, the Venerable U Pannyavamsa founded a new Buddhist monastery in Sydney, Australia. A year later in 1987, a new Buddhist Temple in Chicago, U.S.A was founded. Following this, another Temple in Toronto, Canada, known as the Mahadhammika Buddhist Temple was establised. Thereafter three other temples were established, namely Myanmar Malaysia Buddhist Temple, No. 50 Jalan BK5/3 Bt 7, Jalan Puchong, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on the 25th May 1999, Buddhist Missionary Center, Maha Santisukha-Buddha Sasana Center, Rangoon, Burma on 17th December 1999 and Ratana-Dipa Buddhist Temple, 3075A Newlynn, Auckland, New Zealand on 21st May 2002. Now he is staying in Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple, Penang, Malaysia, carrying out Dhammaduta work, sacred religious duty for propagation and promotion of Buddhism. Furthermore occasionally he pays visit to various countries to preach the teachings of lord Buddha and to guide people according to the Buddhist way of life. IX

REFLECTIONS ON MEMORY OF THE PAST

(DHAMMIKARAMA BURMESE BUDDHIST TEMPLE, PENANG)

uring the 19th Century, when Penang was ruled by the British Government, a very significant number of Burmese traders settled on this island. With the increase of population in their community, the Burmese who were in majority Buddhists, decided to purchase a piece of land for a place of worship. At this juncture, a rich and generous lady named Nonya Betong bought a piece of land in Penang from George Layton for a sum of only 390 Spanish Dollars. The purpose was to turn it into a place of public worship in order to meet their religious obligations. This area was surrounded by the present Lorong Burma, Jalan Kelawei, Jalan Jones and Solok Burma. In the middle of 1803, a temple was built on this land for the propagation of Buddhism to the general public. On 1st August 1803, this Temple was inaugurated and was then named Nandy Moloh Burmese Temple. Later on it was renamed the Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple. Originally, the Temple consisted of a simple attap building, which served as a temple as well as a monk quarters. The 1st Resident and Chief Monk was Venerable U Nandamala, who served for 39 years from 1803 to 1843. From 1803 to 1972, six chief monks had served the Temple, with Venerable U Vimala as being the sixth. During this period, the Temple encountered many difficulties and problems; such as lack of helpers and necessary funds to support and care for the welfare of the Venerable Monks and the Temple. Due to these setbacks, the Temple made only limited development and progress. To make matters worse came the Japanese Occupation of Malaya during World World II (1941 1945), which brought great hardships, to the people, and many of them took shelter in this Temple. Due to the circumstances of this war, those in this Temple had plant sweet potatoes, tapiocas and vegetables on the temple grounds in order to survive. This incident was conveyed by Venerable U Jagara (the 5th Chief Monk) and Venerable U Vimala (who was then the assistant Monk).

In 1957, Venerable U Jagara passed away and Venerable U Vimala took over as the 6th Chief Monk. At this time there was a shortage of Burmese Monks in the Temple. As he was old and not in good health, he required an assistant monk to help him carry out the daily religious chores. He then petitioned to the Burmese Government for a capable monk to assist him and also to propagate the Buddha Teachings. One monk was then chosen by the Burmese Government for this Temple. However, while preparing to leave for Penang, he was disrobed due to some unfortunate circumstances and therefore could not take up the post. Venerable U Vimala, then on his own effort searched again for an assistant monk but failed. He felt so upset, disappointed and very annoyed at the unfavourable results that he decided not to search any more. At the juncture, one Cambodian Monk of Thai Citizen and one Thai Monk visited the Temple and requested from the Chief Monk to allow them to stay in the Temple temporarily. The Chief Monk agreed to their request as he was then old and sickly. Later both of the monks left the Temple. The devotees were worried with the Chief Monk condition and pleaded to him to carry on searching for a Burmese Monk to share his duties. At that time, one Chinese lady, Madam Lim Suan Hoon @ Kow Nya, who was highly appreciated by the Venerable U Vimala, together with five Burmese Chinese ladies named Ma Eng, Ma Kyin Myaing, Ma Kim Kee, Ma Chee and Ma Aye Tin approached the Chief Monk and pestered him to make another effort. During this critical period, a Burmese Professor, U San Shay, the founder of the Rangoon Adult University, and his wife, Daw Sein Lat who used to visit Penang regularly, happenned to visit this Temple. They discovered the predicament of the Chief Monk. The Professor ventured to help Venerable U Vimala and wrote to this native place in Burma requesting for two capable monks to volunteer for their services. This time it was successful and two Burmese Monks came over to carry out the necessary duties. Unfortunately, after a few years with the Temple, they felt unhappy and returned to Burma. When the Burmese Professor, U San Shay and his wife made another usual trip to Penang, and again visited the Temple they found out from Venerable U Vimala that he had no more monks to help him. The Professor then wrote to the Burmese Government appealing for assistance. In 1967, it was very fortunate that the Religious Ministry in Burma managed to choose a very capable monk, Venerable U Pannyavamsa to take up the post. However, on account of the difficulty and delay in getting a passport from the Burmese Military Government for 3 years due to their existing regulation, he became XI

very frustrated, disillusioned and felt half-hearted and almost gave up the call to assist Venerable U Vimala in Penang. With strong determination and effort, Madam Suan Hoon (Kow Nya) and the five Burmese Chinese ladies, wrote a letter weekly to Venerable U Pannyavamsa urging not to lose confidence but to try his best to obtain his passport. At that time, Venerable U Pannyavamsa was living happily with his brother monks and his parents and relatives were staying nearby. He was therefore not keen nor enthusiastic in taking up residence in Penang after all the disappointments. However, due to his compassionate nature and after receiving his passport, he relented and made his journey to Penang in 1970 to assist Venerable U Vial. Before the advent of Venerable U Pannyavamsa, Kow Nya and a few devotees normally took great care of Venerable U Vimala. Kow Nya also helped in the collection of donation and sometimes she herself even donated money to the Temple. She also participated with the five Burmese-Chinese ladies in taking the Eight Precepts on almost every Sunday. Venerable U Vimala was very happy and fortunate to have Venerable U Pannyavamsa as his assistant, as both of them could get along very well. With the demise of Venerable U Vimala in 1972, Venerable U Pannyavamsa assumed the post of the 7th Chief Monk of the Temple. From then onwards, with great interests, determination, effort and acute foresight, he began to gradually improve, develop and extend the simple wooden temple into a conglomerate of magnificent buildings with intricate carvings, built in accordance to the Myanmar tradition. Today the Temple majestic beauty and popularity have spread not only in Penang and Malaysia but also to many parts of the world. The prominence of this Temple is due to the result of the Venerable U Pannyavamsas planning, organization and far-sightedness. With all these great qualities, he was honoured not only by people in his motherland, Burma, but also by people from all Buddhist atmospheres of the world. Under the excellent guidance of Venerable U Panyavamsa, Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple will continue more and more developing day by day.

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T ES A D N B D H I ISS L N O R H T N IG U D A N T P E D U I SD T ESMAS RN H L N IE H I H IE A L